A Trekkertent Stealth 1 with both a solid and (my next purchase) full mesh inner for midge-free summer evenings.

(Yes, I know the tune doesn’t quite work.)

From that collection, spread over many years, only four remain: the ancient Hilleberg Nallo 3GT, the Hilleberg Soulo, the Luxe Hex Peak and, my latest, the Trekkertent Stealth 1.

And my reasons for keeping these?

The Hillebergs speak for themselves. They are not cheap, and even though we all know more money does not always equal more tent, in this case it does. There’s a reason why Artic expeditions use Hillebergs, and at a recent Backpackers’ Club meet, six out of nine tents were Aktos.

Hillebergs are beautifully made, well researched with rugged Kerlon fabrics and will protect you in the foulest and coldest conditions. When I first used an Akto, my lack of experience led me to feel it was too small for my needs. Now, it would probably seem like a palace!

The only problem I’ve found, as many others have too, is Hilleberg’s overall packed weight. This probably doesn’t apply to their more recent Enan solo tent, at a packed weight of 1.1 kilos.

When I use the outer of the Soulo in the summer as a single skin, with poles, pegs and footprint, it’s still not a light option, at 1.8 kilos. Adding the inner for winter use brings it to 2.4 kilos. For this reason, I carry the Soulo only when it’s a short walk in and overnight pitch or, when I’m prepared to carry the extra weight, above the snowline.

The trusty Nallo was once the go-to shelter for the cycle tourer and backpacker. We bought the bigger 3GT (that’s a three-person version with a porch) back in 2000. Originally for tandem touring, we now use it mainly for car camping or backpacking, where we can split the weight to about 1.7 kilos each.

Even at a packed weight of 3.4 kilos, it’s a manageable and palatial tunnel shelter, which goes up in a few minutes and has withstood three-day gales and biblical rain storms.

In 2014, I bought the Luxe Hex Peak, a very simple tepee, six-sided design that uses a walking pole for the centre support. I can see why this style is very popular in Scandinavia. Unfortunately, I don’t have the strength to carry the obligatory wood burner!

The Luxe Hex Peak in high wind

A simple, but certainly not a new concept, the Hex also goes up in a few minutes, is roomy and, with the exception of gale force winds, will withstand most UK weather.

The fly can be pitched flush to the ground in foul weather, or high off the ground using a walking pole extender, in warmer conditions. The inner, which is half mesh, can be set up on its own for summer use. But the mesh can make this tent a little too draughty in winter and, because of this, I would class it as a thee-season option.

As I’m always looking to cover greater distances, I was keen to reduce the weight of the big three – tent, rucksack and sleeping bag. Rucksack at 800g and down sleeping bag at 900g are acceptable for the moment, so that only leaves the tent. (I’ll be writing about rucksacks and sleep systems in future posts.)

In January, after much research, I bought a Trekkertent Stealth 1. I’d read reviews by other bloggers (Section Hiker and Overthehills) whose comprehensive descriptions persuaded me to plump for it. It’s also good to support one of a few UK tent makers.

My version of the Stealth weighs 780g, which now includes eight titanium nail pegs and a short folding pole for the rear, as I use both my trekking poles to support the front. As for other uses, it can be a winged tarp, pitched low to cover a bivvy bag. The solid inner can be used on its own in the summer, and the mesh inner combined with a poncho tarp for a midge-free night under the stars.

Like many backpackers, trekkers and wild campers, I’ve spent the last few years looking for the perfect shelter. But what I’ve come to realise it that it’s a never-ending quest. Your perfect tent won’t necessarily be mine – and, in the end, one will never be enough. But isn’t that part of the journey?

Post navigation

2 thoughts on “Tents I have known and, sometimes, loved”

Couldn’t agree more, looking for the perfect fit on the tent front. First a Saunders Jet Packer – 2:2 kg. bomb proof. Then a wild country tunnel affair, name escapes me at the moment, sorry, but at 2 kg a step in the right direction. Then a Terra nova Argon 900, that didn’t weigh 900 g, but 1:5 kg. and used trekking pole to set it up; then the Scarp 1 in all it’s incarnations followed by a Wild Country Zephyros and finally, for the moment, an Akto.

Off all these shelters, the Scarp 1 remains my favourite; and I am using the third generation fly, although I still have the original and its replacement. The Akto, well it was my dream tent, I had the funds and had to have it. But you know what they say about having your dreams come true; its not always what it’s crack up to be. No doubting the quality of Hilleberg, that is a given…it just not for me.

Currently thinking about a DW Moment by Henry Shires, or a Zpacks Solplex. Both are lighter than my current shelters. The Zpacks effort by some considerable margins. But that s purely a three season tent for use in the UK. Although, Joe of Zpacks used it for last years TGO Challenge. Look at their website to see how he got on.

If I could shave half a kilo off at least and still have the heightened headroom and space the Scarp 1 gives, plus the protection it allows, then a further step in the search for perfection is on.

Great comments Bobby. Thanks. It’s certainly a quest, and I’m sure mine will never be over. The Scarp 1 or the Moment are brilliant tents. Head room and admin space is the key, particularly in bad weather when you’re zipped in. If you can find this combination, you’re on your way. The Trekkertent Stealth 1, with a solid inner (my current favourite) is very light at 780g. I would call it a 3-season-plus, but not a 4 season. However, for the worst the UK can throw at you, it’s bombproof. The down side is lack of internal headroom. If sitting in bolt upright in the doorway with your feet inside, it’s fine. Without the inner, used as just a tarp, there is plenty of room. Keep in touch and update on what you buy next.